10 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In St. Louis

These St. Louis landmarks don’t just enhance our landscape, they each help to define us as a city. Each of these places has a long and rich history in St. Louis. Many of them are also world renowned for their innovation and architecture. Read below to plan your St. Louis landmark trip.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the USA. This massive 630-foot structure is a man-made steel marvel. You can walk the base of the arch or take a ride up to the top. Tickets for rides to the top are available at the Old Court House.

The Eads Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it not just a local treasure, but national one. When the Eads Bridge opened in 1874, it was the first all-steel constructed bridge in the world. It was designed to allow steamboats to pass underneath, while still being aesthetically beautiful. The Eads Bridge can be accessed from Memorial Drive and from N Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. near the Gateway Arch Grounds.

The Old Court House and Kiener Plaza are must visits on any historical St. Louis tour. The Old Court is a beautiful monument to the grand architecture that defined St. Louis buildings in the late 1800s. Spending some time in Kiener Plaza is a nice respite of fresh air while you visit the buildings of downtown St. Louis.

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is named for the underwater rock ledges that made this part of the Mississippi River especially dangerous to navigate by steamboat and barge. A vital motorist passage for decades, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is now a a walking and biking trail.

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is located off of Riverview Dr., St. Louis, MO 63137.

Forest Park is home to many of our best St. Louis attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Art Museum, but Forest Park is full of its own history. Art Hill, Emerson Grand Basin, and, of course, the World's Fair Pavilion, have been left for us to enjoy from the grand expo of the 1904 World's Fair.

Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden has been bringing beauty and horticultural to St. Louis for 158 years! This lush oasis is also home to several of St. Louis's most well-known structures and sculptures.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110.